Bridger appeared this morning via prison video link at Caernarfon Crown Court, 60 miles from April’s family home.

Bridger, unshaven and wearing glasses and a dark top, spoke to acknowledge the proceedings and confirm his name during the 20-minute hearing.

He was remanded in custody to appear at a plea and case management hearing on January 11 at the same court ahead of a trial later in the year.

It will be overseen by Mr Justice Griffith Williams, a High Court judge who has previously presided over high profile cases such as that of Barry George, who was acquitted of the murder of presenter Jill Dando.

The judge said today that April’s family would be concerned “that the matter be brought speedily to trial” and asked for their input about where the trial should be held to cause them the least possible inconvenience.

He added: “Another consideration from my reading of the papers is that there will be some young witnesses who have been video interviewed. One of them I think is seven years old.

“The longer the delay in bringing the case to trial, the more difficult it is for witnesses of that age.”

Elwen Evans QC, prosecuting, said the search for April was “still ongoing”, which would also have an impact on the legal timetable.

She added that “forensic, scientific and other expert investigations continue apace” while the judge commented that “matters may develop”.

He added that there were a “sufficient number of uncertainties to make it impossible” to give a likely trial date but he added: “It should be understood that it will be tried on the earliest possible date in the new year.”

Details of what Bridger has told police were not given in court but the judge said: “The Crown have notice of the likely defence in his account in interviews.”

The judge said he felt the trial should be held in Caernarfon or at Mold Crown Court in North Wales.

He said: “Any decisions as to the court of trial will be made once I know what the views of the family and the witnesses are.”

The judge said the youngest witnesses would give evidence via video link, probably from Aberystwyth, which is closer to Machynlleth than the trial venue.

At the end of the hearing, Bridger, who is being held in Manchester, nodded and said “yes sir” after being told by the judge that he would remain in custody.